Orlando City are aiming to maintain their quest for a playoff finish as they host DC United in an Eastern Conference fixture on Tuesday. Although they have been a bit erratic this season, the Lions will be confident of seeing off DC United, who have been the worst team in the league this season.
Orlando City have been far from spectacular this season but appear to always find a way to get the job done. They are in the mix for a playoff finish, sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference.
After overcoming Nashville on penalties to reach the semi-final of the US Open Cup, Orlando City must now turn their attention to league matters and improving their recent form. They have claimed just one win from their last five MLS matches and were beaten 1-0 by FC Cincinnati in their previous fixture.
The good news for Orlando City is that they are returning to the Exploria Stadium where they often do their best work. Oscar Pareja’s men have won three of their last five home matches and triumphed 2-1 over Houston Dynamo in their previous fixture in front of their fans.
While Orlando City have been inconsistent this season, DC United have been arguably the worst team in the league. They are currently bottom of the Eastern Conference having claimed just four wins from their 15 MLS matches so far.
Things do not appear to be getting better for DC United, who are winless in their last six MLS matches. They have suffered four defeats in that run and were beaten 3-1 by Nashville in their previous fixture.
DC United also have one of the worst away records in the MLS and have won just once on their travels all season. Hernan Losada’s men travel to Orlando with four defeats in their last five matches on the road.
How the bookies view it
Orlando City are favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 7/8 by Unibet. An unlikely victory for DC United is valued at 31/10 by SBK while a draw is set at odds of 14/5 by bet365.
Head to head
There have been 16 previous matches between Orlando City and DC United with both teams claiming seven wins each. However, Orlando have won the last two meetings and triumphed 2-1 in the most recent fixture at home.
Players to watch
Ercan Kara is the top scorer for Orlando City with six goals and will be the one to watch on Tuesday. The forward has found the net four times in his last five MLS matches and is priced at 13/8 by Paddy Power to score anytime.
Although DC United are struggling at the moment, Taxiarchis Fountas is having a fine campaign. The Greek forward has scored six goals in his last eight MLS matches and is priced at 11/4 by Unibet to get on the score sheet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Orlando City and DC United have not been particularly convincing at the back this season and given the quality in attack, goals can be expected here. Over 3.5 goals is valued at 2/1 by bet365, 10bet is offering 8/11 for over 2.5 goals while both teams could be backed to score at 13/18 by SBK.
Orlando City were on target in both halves the last time they hosted DC United and could be set for a repeat at 37/20 with Unibet.
This MLS match between Orlando City and DC United will be played on Jul 5, 2022 and kick off at 00:00. Check below for our tipsters best Orlando City vs DC United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
